Kate Spelman's Fundraiser:

2015 Dream Big! Boston Marathon Team

THE STORY:

Dear Friends and Family,

I am thrilled to announce that on April 20th, I will be running the 2015 Boston Marathon as a member of the Dream Big! Boston Marathon Team!

Dream Big! works to provide girls from low-income and homeless situations with the equipment, uniforms, athletic footwear, program fees, training expenses, sports opportunities and supplies they need to participate in sports and physical activities that contribute to their health, education and overall well-being.

I believe that sports change lives, and I am honored to support this inspiring local charity as I pursue my own dream of running the Boston Marathon.

From Saturday morning youth soccer games to sunrise practices on the Charles with Wellesley Crew, sports have shaped me into the person I am today. My involvement in athletics has given me confidence in my mental and physical strength, teammates around the world that I consider family, coaches who remain close mentors, and the desire to challenge myself and my limits.

Running used to be one of my greatest fears. More comfortable in a boat than on land, I dreaded even the occasional 1-mile warm-up run before crew practice and was in awe of the Boston Marathon runners my teammates and I cheered for in the Wellesley “Scream Tunnel.” After graduating from college in 2010, I decided to tackle this fear and discovered a love of running in the process. Five years later, I cannot wait to stand at the starting line in Hopkinton and complete my first-ever marathon!

As a high school teacher, coach, and lifelong athlete, I know what a powerful role sports can play in empowering young women.

My family and I were blessed to be able to afford the shoes, fees, uniforms, and equipment I needed to participate in sports growing up. But every day a girl in need steps on the playing field, court or track without the proper equipment, sports attire or training. Imagine trying to run the Boston Marathon without the proper footwear!

Over the past four years Dream Big! has had a direct impact on more than 10,000 girls in need through equipment donations, program scholarships, sports clinics and the Dream Big! Leadership Conferences for middle and high school female athletes.

I hope you will join me in support of this important cause by sponsoring my 26.2-mile run with a donation to Dream Big!

$35 will purchase a regulation soccer ball or basketball;

$50 will purchase a new pair of sneakers or cleats;

$100 pays for an 8-week dance or fitness class for 1 girl;

$200 pays for a new bike and helmet;

$500 pays for a week-long summer sports camp; and

$1000 pays for new uniforms, equipment, and training for an entire sports team.

Together, we can help break down the economic barrier that prevents thousands of girls from low-income situations from participating in sports and physical activities. I appreciate any support you can give to this remarkable cause, from $2.62 to $2,620. No donation is too little, no gesture too small.

DONATION: $15

Sophie Tyack

DONATION: $15

ANONYMOUS

DONATION: $500

Yoga Event

DONATION: $80

Isabel Ruane

DONATION: $20

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